Tai Po Fire inquiry hears evidence from senior Fire Services officials on blaze response

發佈日期: 2026-04-24 20:09

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The independent committee of inquiry looking into the Wang Fuk Court fire continues its hearing today.

At the session was Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung Yan-kin, the highest-ranking government official to testify so far.

Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung arrived at City Gallery in Central this morning.

When asked about the division of responsibilities between the Fire Services Department and the Buildings Department, Yeung said there's largely a "clear division" with building materials falling under the Buildings Department, while fire hazards and enforcement actions, including issuing Fire Hazard Abatement Notices, fall within Fire Services' remit.

But he said in practice, coordination with the Buildings Department is required to avoid overlapping enforcement.

He admitted both departments could have collaborated better to deal with fire safety risks at the Tai Po estate with shared responsibilities to oversee issues, including the polyfoam boards and structural openings.

Addressing earlier testimony that fire safety certificates were delayed owing to manual data input, Yeung says legislative amendments will be made to mandate electronic submission.

He also admitted shortcomings in the handling of 999 emergency calls during the incident.

So 30 additional emergency lines had been added this week.

The committee also heard testimony from Tang Wing-wah, Assistant Director of Fire Services, overseeing New Territories North.

Tang served as on-site incident commander during critical stages on the day of the fire.

He says while initial attempts were made to push to higher floors through turntable ladders, these efforts were hindered by falling debris, unstable conditions, intense heat and smoke.

He adds that the ladders were mainly used to contain the fire externally and prevent further spread, rather than for conducting rescues.

He says only one successful external rescue case of three people was reported at Wang Cheong House.

In the testimony, Tang Wing-wah said despite the challenges, firefighters made every effort to save lives and contain the blaze amid the extremely hazardous conditions.

He added that the failure of the building's fire hydrant and water tank systems significantly impacted operations, forcing crews to rely on heavy portable pumps weighing around 80 kilograms each. 

These had to be manually carried up narrow staircases, while pump vehicle pressure alone was insufficient to reach higher floors.